Dynamic pattern of postprandial bile acids in paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background Dysregulation of bile acids (BAs), as important signalling molecules in regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, contributes to the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, static BA profiles during fasting may obscure certain pathogenetic aspects. In this study, we investigate the dynamic alterations of BAs in response to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) among children with NAFLD. Methods We recruited 230 subjects, including children with overweight/obesity, or complicated with NAFLD, and healthy controls. Serum BAs, 7‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4) and fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) were quantified during OGTT. Clinical markers related to liver function, lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism were assessed at baseline or during OGTT. Findings Conjugated BAs increased while unconjugated ones decreased after glucose uptake. Most BAs were blunted in response to glucose in NAFLD (p > .05); only glycine and taurine‐conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and cholic acid (CA) were responsive (p